You have not been like my servant David, who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes. (1Kings 14:8)
DAVID AND JEROBOAM were both kings, but the similarity ends there. Their characters were vastly different. David had God’s interests at heart. Jeroboam had his own interests at heart. David wanted to build a temple in Jerusalem, where people would worship the one and only true God. Jeroboam built worship centers in Israel, where people would worship false gods.
Noble character does what is right, whereas ignoble character does what is wrong. Noble character asks, “How can I help?” Ignoble character asks, “How can I help myself at others’ expense?” An American female runner exhibited noble character at the 2016 Olympic Games by stopping at the mid-point of the 5,000 meter race to help a fallen competitor get back on her feet. Together, they finished the race.
Kindness and goodness are listed in Galatians 5:22 as fruit-of-the-Spirit qualities. Are we demonstrating these character qualities in our daily relationships?
Ephesians 4:32 exhorts us to “be kind and compassionate to one another.” Philippians 2:3 implores us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” To the contrary, we are to “consider others better” than ourselves.
We don’t have to look far to find people who are hurting emotionally, spiritually, or physically. If we listen—really listen—we will find ways to help.
Trust the Holy Spirit to develop His fruit in your life, and reach out to help others!
Jim Dyet was born in Scotland and grew up in Canada. Married fifty-eight years, he and his wife Gloria live in Colorado Springs, where Jim enjoys golf and daily walks with their dogs.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
